HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

[Transporters for neurotransmitters. A new gene family with characteristic features].

Abstract
Neurotransmitter transporters terminate synaptic transmission by rapid sodium-dependent reaccumulation of released transmitter in the presynaptic nerve terminal. The transporters are major sites of action for psychostimulants such as amphetamine and cocaine, for antidepressants, and for neurotoxins that induce parkinsonism. The transporters for monoamines, choline, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), glycine and glutamine have recently been cloned and characterised. Elucidation of the primary structures has shown that, with the exception of the glutamate transporter, the various proteins manifest substantial amino acid conservation and the presence of 12 putative transmembrane regions. The lack of homology with other proteins suggests these transporter proteins to represent a new gene family. Preliminary findings suggest the distribution of neurotransmitter gene expression to match that of presynaptic markers of the respective transmitter systems, though in some areas the distribution of transporter mRNA expression has been found to be uneven. There is evidence suggesting neurotransmitter transporters to be involved in the pathophysiology of certain neurodegenerative diseases, and there are indications that drugs affecting transporter proteins may assume increasing clinical importance.
AuthorsB Meister
JournalLakartidningen (Lakartidningen) Vol. 90 Issue 13 Pg. 1255-9 (Mar 31 1993) ISSN: 0023-7205 [Print] Sweden
Vernacular TitleTransportörer för neurotransmittorer. Ny genfamilj med karakteristiska egenskaper.
PMID8096888 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)
Chemical References
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • RNA, Messenger
Topics
  • Carrier Proteins (chemistry, genetics, metabolism)
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases (genetics, metabolism)
  • Neurotransmitter Agents (chemistry, metabolism)
  • RNA, Messenger (genetics, metabolism)

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: